KOMODO TOOTH & CLAW EXCLUSIVE - JAN. 10-19, 2026
It’s happening! We’re tag-teaming this one with Wes, Jeff & Mike; creators of the award-winning podcast “Tooth & Claw”, to offer a Herping (searching for reptiles & amphibians) + Scuba Diving Expedition into the heart of Indonesia’s most iconic region. Enjoy 3 stages of adventure: initially launching from Flores island in search of Javan spitting cobras, Lesser Sunda island pit vipers (yellow & green phase), as well as gorgeous Timor pythons- among so much more. From Flores, we jump onto a cozy liveaboard situation, where the team will embark on 4 days of scuba diving, herping and exploring 3 different islands. Of course, we will primarily target the enduring & emblematic Komodo dragon- while under the waves, we’ll pursue reef manta rays, gentle giants known for their peaceful and curious behavior. Back on Flores, we’ll head inland to stay & herp at a luxury, off-grid ecolodge- one that backs up to an entire mountain range. Space is limited. Don’t miss this!
By joining this expedition, you are directly supporting the conservation of Indonesia’s natural resources- a country teeming with biodiversity while simultaneously coping with immeasurable levels of environmental destruction. Currently, there is a silent and global coral bleaching event occurring, notably rearing its head throughout the Indonesian Archipelago and surrounding areas. The cause is unfortunately and undeniably man-made, as our global industrialization pushes ocean temperatures to extremes never before recorded in human history. Komodo is well known for being one of the most pristine aquatic environments on our planet, and the reality of the situation is that we simply don’t know how much time is left to not only save our reefs from deeply irreparable damage, but to enjoy what we have while its still here. Through joining Serpentine/Tooth & Claw, you will be able to see what’s at stake for yourself, while providing economic support to the people working with our natural world, not against it.
Herpetological Highlights:
Komodo Dragons: The park is the sole natural habitat of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the world's largest lizard, which can reach lengths of up to 3 meters and weigh over 70 kilograms. These apex predators are known for their unique hunting strategies and have a population of approximately 5,700 individuals across Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang, and parts of Flores.
Reptile Diversity: Beyond the dragons, the park is home to a variety of reptiles, including:
Javan Spitting Cobra (Naja sputatrix): A defensive, venomous snake known for its hood display and spitting behavior.
Blue Phase Lesser Sunda Island Pit Viper (Trimeresurus insularis): An arboreal, venomous viper notable for its striking blue coloration, found in dry monsoon forests up to 1,200 meters elevation.
Eastern Russell’s Viper (Daboia siamensis): A highly venomous snake with a distinctive chain-like pattern, often found in open habitats.
Timor Python (Malayopython timoriensis): This nonvenomous constrictor is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands, including Flores and Lombien. Despite its name, it is not found on Timor Island. The Timor python is a slender, medium-sized snake, reaching lengths of 1.5 to 2 meters, with some individuals growing up to 3 meters.
Lizards: The park also hosts nine skink species (Scincidae), geckos (Gekkonidae), and limbless lizards (Dibamidae), thriving in various habitats from savannas to forests.
Amphibians: The park's varied elevations and moisture levels support amphibians like the endemic Komodo cross frog (Oreophryne jeffersoniana) and the Asian bullfrog (Kaloula baleata), particularly in higher, moister regions.
Marine Biodiversity:
Situated within the Coral Triangle, Komodo National Park boasts some of the richest marine biodiversity on Earth. Its waters harbor over 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of reef-building corals, and numerous marine mammals such as dolphins, manta rays, whale sharks and dugongs . The park's dynamic marine environments, influenced by strong currents and nutrient upwellings, create ideal conditions for studying complex coral reef ecosystems and marine species interactions.
